A time to hand out the bouquets and brickbats
We have one of our event kitchens out on long-term hire at present, running on a road-show style of event at motor dealers around the country.
This seemed to be a logical extension for the hire operation as we run a number of dedicated event kitchens within our catering business and can offer a number of options, ranging from a simple fridge trailer through fully equipped 7.5-tonne lorries right up to a 40ft articulated trailer.
Our catering business has had a hectic few weeks - one client who confirmed little, changed lots and then asked for yet more amendments on the day - and, of course, our annual charity ball, this year for nearly 1,600 guests.
The event ran smoothly and finished with a minimum of fuss. The only disappointment was in the bar takings, which were diluted by an enthusiastic wine sales operation run by and on behalf of the charities.
But although the bars didn't shut until 4am, all bars, catering equipment, kitchens and such were packed on to lorries with furniture stacked ready for collection at 7am on the Sunday.
Thanks go to Thorns for efficient delivery and collection, and to Blue Arrow, which supplied staff. All too often, agency staff carry a stigma, with poor skill levels and time-keeping.
Not so credible, however, is the company which we hoped would supply us with a cutlery-polishing machine. We had been promised a demonstrator to see if the machine could cope with the sort of volume that results from such a function, as polishing 14,000 pieces of cutlery by hand is a fair task.
But, 10 days after the agreed date and after numerous calls to the rep who has supposedly organised it, we are still waiting for the demonstrator. I hope the back-up service is better if we ever get around to purchasing a machine, but first impressions are not good.
June, July and August continue to look good, with both wedding and corporate business booking well into next year. My challenge now is to keep focused on the five-year plan, ensuring long-term growth for our business.
ROBERT ALVAREZ is proprietor of Phoenix Hospitality event caterers in Towcester, Northamptonshire
Next diary from Robert Alvarez: 26 July
